Organized around a shared love of music, PNW’s Invisible Strings Ensemble is really committed to making music fun for its members.

“[We] strive to inspire joy, a love for music, freedom of expression and a sense of community for players and audiences alike,” said President Autumn MacCartney, a senior Computer Graphic Technologies major. “It is fun and informal.”

But the organization takes its music seriously. 

It is currently rehearsing Christmas music for the upcoming play “A Christmas Carol” that Theatre Company will produce in the first week of December.

“Our rehearsal schedule is flexible and we tend to practice on days that work best for most members’ schedules,” said MacCartney. “We currently meet twice a week to hang out and play music.”

While the group is focused on the Christmas show, it tries to mix things up.

“We try to play a wide variety of music from classical to pop,” MacCartney said. “We try to have a performance at least once a semester. In the past we have played at charity events and did fundraisers for charities.” 

MacCartney, who organized the club, said she intentionally wanted the organization to balance a passion for music with the recognition that students need to relieve the pressure of school.

“It has provided me a place to de-stress from the hectic life of homework and studying, and [allowed me to] have fun with people that share similar interests,” she said. “It has definitely made my PNW life way more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Member Lucas Costa agrees.

“My experience so far has been that it is a very accepting and welcoming club,” said the sophomore Medical Engineering major. “It feels good to be a part of the club because I can put my skills to use and have fun doing so.”

Anyone with a passion for string instruments is welcome. Members range from beginner to advanced musicians. They meet twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in SULB 353 in Hammond, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.